Time to address teen violence

Regarding your article "Funeral celebrates teen's life," the growing issue of teen violence in the Chicago area needs to be taken care of. Violence at a teenage party in Elgin led to the tragic death of 17-year-old John W. Keyes III.

This problem is out of hand. This fighting between teens is far from playful and harmless. It is life-threatening and out of control. Actions need to be taken to stop it.

I would suggest starting a variety of different programs for kids who have a recurring problem with fighting. If this problem is not taken care of now it will only progress and worsen. It will most likely lead to more school shootings and street violence between conflicting cliques or worse, gangs.

This violence among teenagers is most likely rooted from anger or depression issues at home. This needs to be addressed to benefit the kids. It is unacceptable for kids to fight in the first place, but the fact that it has led to the death of high school students is outrageous. No one should live only until the age of17.

It is time for the community to step up and handle this problem. These kids need to face the facts that they need help and they need professionals to do so. There should be seminars and group therapy sessions offered to these students to decrease their violent behavior. If depression or anger is actually the issue, then that needs to be addressed first. It is time to put a stop to the hate among teenagers in our community.

Kendall McDougal

Glen Ellyn